Wales boss Warren Gatland has sprung the first surprise of this season's RBS 6 Nations Championship by naming his team to face England 48 hours early, with George North and Richard Hibbard both returning to action.

Under the stewardship of Joe Schmidt, in his first season in charge, Ireland claim their second Six Nations title, and their 12th outright championship of all time; however, they fail to claim the Grand Slam as they lose to England at Twickenham

Waikato Chiefs assistant coach Tom Coventry will take up a role with English Premiership side London Irish at the end of this year's Super Rugby championship, ending the chances of Declan Kidney taking up the role.